Eugene 'Pops' Tonniges

Eugene E. “Pops” Tonniges, age 69 of York, died Thursday, March 30, 2006 at York, NE. He was born September 9, 1935 at Waco, NE to Elmer and Myrtle (Sloan) Tonniges. Gene was a 1954 graduate of York High School and had attended Milford Tech. He had been employed at York Packing for 27 years, Champion Home Builders for 13 years and at Lichti TV for 8 years. Pops served in the United States Naval Air Force, was a member of the York American Legion Post and was currently President of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles Lodge in York where he was “Father of the Year.” He was also an active volunteer at Blue Valley Community Action in York. He enjoyed collecting many things and also loved singing Karaoke. He loved horses, fishing and formerly played in Chet’s Band years ago. He was a member of the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in York where he sang in the choir. He was a master handy man and loved planting and caring for trees. Pops was also an honorary member of the ‘Dukes’ a social club in Bronx, N.Y. On September 9, 1956 he was married to Regina Golden at York. Then on May 26, 1979 he was married to Christine Morse at Bradshaw. Survivors include his wife Chris of York; 3 sons, Steve Tonniges of LaQuinta, CA, Tim and his wife Kim Stephens of Millard and Kevin and his wife Kim Stephens of York; 4 daughters, Terri (Rod) Matthies of Ohiowa, Nancy (Jack) Scamehorn of York and Lisa (Dave) Birt of York and Theresa (Lee) Christiansen also of York, his mother Myrtle Tonniges of York; 23 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; 4 brothers, Gale (Gloria) Tonniges of York, Ron (Janet) Tonniges of Utica, Denny (Holly) Tonniges of Stuart, FL and Randy (Deann) Tonniges of Kearney; 3 sisters, Wilma (Don) Miller of McAllen, TX, Shirley (Vern) Wohlstenholm of Minneapolis, MN and Sharon Gibb of Lincoln.. Many nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death was his father Elmer.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 3, 2006 at 2:00 pm at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church at York with the Rev. Harlan Heier officiating. Burial will be in the Greenwood Cemetery at York. Memorials may be directed to the York Eagles Lodge or to CASA. Visitation begins after 5:00 P.M., Saturday at Metz Mortuary in York. The family will greet friends and neighbors from 7:00 – 8:30 P.M., Sunday evening at the mortuary.